The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All, CSACEFA, in Nigeria has commended the doggedness of teachers in contributing to the nation’s development despite unfavorable conditions.
This year, World Teachers’ Day celebrations focus on the theme “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage”.
A statement by the FCT Focal Person of the group Abdullahi Sale noted that as part of the celebrations, UNESCO would inaugurate an original photo exhibition featuring teachers from across the globe.
“This exhibition will showcase portraits and testimonials, recognizing their dedication, passion, and commitment to shaping the future. It will also highlight UNESCO’s work on teachers,” he said.
The coalition underscored the neglect in the sector despite interventions by development partners and well-meaning philanthropists across the continent.
“Teachers training has been neglected. The learning/ teaching environment is poor with inadequate staff room for teachers, so also is the remuneration and pay package which is most times delayed or deprived. The work environment and conditions are unfavorable, among many other issues,” he emphasized.
The coalition, therefore called on the teachers to remain committed, and determined for the greater good of Nigeria and children.
It also called.on the government to be responsive to the needs of teachers by providing the necessary tools for teaching, prioritizing training, and improving the welfare package for them.
“This is the only way we can get the teachers we need, for the education we want.”
The coalition is particularly calling on the FCT Minister and his team to look into the utilisation of UBEC funds which are made available to better the sector; to also deal with the lingering issues that have resulted in incessant strikes.
“To look into the deficit in learning facilities and dearth of teachers across the FCT and to also address the issues of illegal charges which has increased the number of out-of-school children who have now constituted a nuisance to the society,” Sule said.
The coalition appreciated parents for keeping faith with teachers.
It also called on them to support in making them succeed by bridging the gap where government is lacking so that no child would be deprived of education taking into cognisance the fact that basic education is free.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
